The low and declining state of morality and virtue among us is too obvious not to be seen, and of too threatening an aspect not to be lamented by all lovers of God and country. Though our pursuit of happiness depends much on the conduct of our rulers, yet it is not in the power of even the best of elected officials to make an impious, profligate people happy. No matter how well our public affairs may be managed, we will surly undo ourselves by our vices. And it is from hence, I apprehend, that our greatest danger arises. That spirit of infidelity, selfishness, luxury, and dissipation, which so deeply marks our present manners, is more formidable than all the arms of our enemies.
Simeon Howard, A.M., of Boston: Mass. Election Sermon, 1780.
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